Radio & Television: Young Performers: Ben Thacher

Appeared On Show: 106
Instrument: Violin
Home State: MA
Age: 18

"Music gives me a sense of purpose," says 18-year-old violinist Ben Thacher. "When I started playing the violin, it's like everything fell into place for me. I found what I wanted to do with my life." Of course, Ben admits that being a violinist has its challenges. "The hardest part about playing violin is the amount of repertoire that's expected by a certain age," he says. "It's hard to balance learning music with school and social life."

Playing violin also lends itself to some specific physical challenges. "You get calluses on your fingers and your arms get really tired," he explains. "It's great for your back though, because, in order to play violin, you have to maintain good posture." Another problem familiar to violinists and violists alike is the telltale "violin hickey" -- the red mark under the chin caused by pressure from the instrument. "Mine's not that bad," says Ben, "but I do have to worry about nicking it when I shave."

Ben also had to overcome a fairly serious physical ailment. "I woke up one day and I no longer had the use of my right wrist," he explains. "I never got a diagnosis for it, but I could not play violin for three months, which is how long it took to heal." It was a scary time for Ben. "It was a whole different life not being able to play violin," he says. "Looking back, I feel like I've learned a great deal from what I went through."

In the future, Ben definitely intends to pursue a career in music and is planning to go to a conservatory to continue his studies. "I try not to think about 'making it' or worry about the financial side of things," says Ben. "I just love music, and I want to enjoy it and do the best I can."

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